Cyclops Gear CGX2 Action Camera Review Best Budget Pick

The Cyclops Gear CGX2 Action Camera delivers exceptional 4K video and rugged durability at a fraction of the cost of premium brands, making it the best budget pick for adventurers and content creators alike. With built-in stabilization, waterproof housing, and intuitive controls, it outperforms rivals in its price range without sacrificing essential features.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable 4K video: Shoots crisp 4K at 30fps without breaking the bank.
• Waterproof up to 30m: Dive deep without a case—ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
• Long 120-minute battery: Record extended adventures on a single charge.
• Wide-angle lens included: Capture immersive POV shots with minimal distortion.
• Easy-to-use touchscreen: Navigate settings quickly even with gloves on.
• Wi-Fi and app support: Instantly share footage via smartphone connectivity.

Why the Cyclops Gear CGX2 Action Camera Stands Out in a Crowded Market

If you’ve ever tried to capture a mountain biking trail, a kayaking trip, or even just your kid’s first soccer game, you know how tricky it can be to get a steady, clear shot. I’ve been there—holding my phone out, hoping the wind doesn’t knock it from my hand, only to end up with shaky, unusable footage. That’s why I decided to try the Cyclops Gear CGX2 Action Camera, a budget-friendly option that’s been popping up in online forums and YouTube reviews. After weeks of testing it in real-world scenarios—from rainy hikes to high-speed cycling—I can say this camera punches well above its price tag.

What really surprised me wasn’t just the video quality, but how much value Cyclops Gear packed into a device that costs less than $100. It’s not trying to compete with GoPros, but rather offer a reliable, no-nonsense alternative for adventurers, parents, and content creators who want solid performance without breaking the bank. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Cyclops Gear CGX2, from its standout features to its few quirks, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Design and Build Quality: Tough, Light, and Ready for Action

Compact and Travel-Friendly

When I first unboxed the CGX2, I was struck by how compact it felt. At just 68 grams, it’s light enough to clip onto a backpack strap or mount on a helmet without feeling bulky. The matte black finish gives it a sleek, understated look—no flashy logos or distracting colors. It’s the kind of camera you can toss in your bag and forget about until you need it.

The body is made of a durable polycarbonate material that feels sturdy, not cheap. I accidentally dropped it from waist height onto concrete during a test shoot, and aside from a tiny scuff, it worked perfectly. That’s a big win for anyone who’s clumsy or works in rough environments.

Mounting Options and Accessories

One of the best things about the CGX2 is its compatibility with standard GoPro-style mounts. I used a chest mount for a hiking trip and a suction cup mount for a car dashcam test—both worked seamlessly. The included accessories (a basic mount, USB-C cable, and a waterproof case) are simple but functional. You don’t get a ton of extras, but the essentials are there.

Pro tip: If you plan to use it underwater or in dusty conditions, invest in a third-party protective case. The included case is rated for 30 meters, which is great for snorkeling or light diving, but I noticed slight fogging after a 20-minute swim in warm water. A desiccant pack (like those little silica gel bags) inside the case helps prevent this.

Button Layout and Ease of Use

The CGX2 has three physical buttons: power/shutter, mode, and Wi-Fi. They’re responsive and easy to press with gloves on—a must for winter sports. The mode button cycles through photo, video, and time-lapse, and there’s a small LED indicator that changes color to show the current mode (red for video, blue for photo, etc.).

No touchscreen here, but I didn’t miss it. Physical buttons are more reliable in wet or cold conditions, and the menu system is intuitive. That said, if you’re used to touchscreens, the adjustment period is real. It took me about an hour to get comfortable with the button navigation.

Video and Photo Performance: Where the CGX2 Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)

4K Video Quality in Real-World Conditions

The CGX2 records up to 4K at 30fps, which is impressive for its price. I tested it in a mix of lighting: bright midday sun, overcast forest trails, and indoor low-light settings. In good light, the footage is sharp with accurate colors. The 170-degree wide-angle lens captures a lot of the scene without the extreme fisheye distortion you see on cheaper cameras.

During a bike ride at dusk, the camera handled the changing light well. The auto-exposure adjusted quickly, and there was minimal noise in the shadows. However, in very low light (like a dimly lit room), the footage gets grainy. It’s usable for casual clips, but not for professional-grade content.

Example: I recorded a campfire scene at night. The flames were bright and clear, but the surrounding trees and faces were a bit muddy. For a $90 camera, though, it’s a solid result.

Stabilization: Smooth Enough for Most Uses

The CGX2 uses electronic image stabilization (EIS), not optical. This means it crops the frame slightly to smooth out shakes. In practice, it works well for walking, light jogging, and even mountain biking on smooth trails. But if you’re doing high-speed downhill biking or off-roading, you’ll notice some wobble. Pairing it with a gimbal or using a chest mount helps a lot.

I compared it to my old GoPro Hero 5 (which has better stabilization) on the same trail. The CGX2 held up surprisingly well, with only minor jitters in fast turns. For casual adventurers, it’s more than adequate.

Photo Quality and Time-Lapse

The CGX2 takes 12MP still photos. They’re good for sharing on social media or printing small prints, but don’t expect DSLR-level detail. The dynamic range is decent—it handled a backlit sunset shot better than I expected. Time-lapse mode is a hidden gem. I set it up to capture a 3-hour sunset, and the resulting 30-second clip looked professional. Just remember to use a tripod and a high-capacity microSD card.

Tip: For time-lapses, format your SD card in the camera first. I once lost a 2-hour sequence because the card wasn’t properly formatted, and the files got corrupted.

Battery Life and Charging: The Good, the Bad, and the Workarounds

How Long Does It Really Last?

The CGX2’s 1050mAh battery is rated for 90 minutes of 4K video. In my tests, I got about 80 minutes with Wi-Fi off and stabilization on. That’s enough for a full bike ride or a hike, but not a full-day adventure. If you’re planning a long trip, pack a spare battery (sold separately) or a portable charger.

I used a 20,000mAh power bank to charge it between shoots. The USB-C port charges quickly—about 90 minutes from 0 to 100%. A red LED on the side blinks while charging and turns solid green when full.

Overheating Warnings and How to Avoid Them

Like many budget action cameras, the CGX2 can overheat during long 4K recordings. I got a warning after 25 minutes of continuous filming on a hot day. The fix? Record in 1080p 60fps instead. It uses less power, stays cooler, and still looks great for most uses.

Workaround: If you need long 4K clips, record in 10-minute chunks, let the camera cool for 5 minutes, then resume. This trick saved me during a 2-hour event shoot.

Low Battery Indicators and Last-Minute Saves

The camera shows a battery icon on the screen (when using the optional external screen) and flashes a red LED when it’s at 10%. It shuts down at 5%, so you have a few minutes to save your footage. I once lost a clip because I didn’t notice the low battery—now I keep a spare battery in my bag at all times.

Software and App Experience: Simple, but Not Flawless

Setting Up the Cyclops Gear App

The free Cyclops Gear app (iOS and Android) connects via Wi-Fi. Setup is straightforward: press the Wi-Fi button on the camera, open the app, and follow the prompts. The connection is stable, but not instant—it takes about 8-10 seconds to pair.

Once connected, you can preview the camera feed, change settings, and download footage to your phone. The app interface is clean and easy to navigate, though it lacks some advanced features like manual focus or exposure lock.

Remote Control and Live Preview

Using the app as a remote is handy for selfies, group shots, or mounting the camera in hard-to-reach places. The live preview is clear, but there’s a slight delay (about 1-2 seconds). This makes it hard to track fast-moving subjects, but it’s fine for static scenes.

Example: I mounted the CGX2 on a tree branch to film birds. The app let me frame the shot perfectly, and I didn’t have to climb up to adjust it.

Firmware Updates and Reliability

Cyclops Gear releases occasional firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance. My camera updated automatically via the app, which took about 5 minutes. The process was smooth, but I’ve read reports of failed updates on older models. Always ensure your battery is above 50% before updating.

Value for Money: How the CGX2 Compares to Competitors

Price vs. Performance Breakdown

The CGX2 retails for $89.99, making it one of the most affordable 4K action cameras on the market. To put this in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against similar models:

Feature	Cyclops Gear CGX2	AKASO Brave 7 LE	Insta360 Go 2
Price	$89.99	$129.99	$199.99
Max Video	4K/30fps	4K/30fps	2.7K/50fps
Stabilization	EIS	EIS + OIS	FlowState Stabilization
Battery Life	90 min	100 min	30 min (with case)
Waterproof	30m with case	40m with case	10m (IPX8)
Mount Compatibility	GoPro-style	GoPro-style	Proprietary

The CGX2 wins on price and battery life. It’s $40 cheaper than the AKASO Brave 7 LE and lasts longer on a single charge. The Insta360 Go 2 has better stabilization but costs more than twice as much and has a much shorter battery life.

Who Should Buy the CGX2?

This camera is perfect for:

• Beginners: No complicated settings to learn.
• Travelers: Lightweight and durable.
• Parents: Capture kids’ activities without worrying about drops.
• Content creators on a budget: Great for YouTube vlogs or social media.

It’s not ideal for:

• Professional filmmakers needing high dynamic range.
• Low-light videography.
• Long, uninterrupted recordings (due to overheating).

Final Verdict: The Best Budget Action Camera for Most People

After using the Cyclops Gear CGX2 extensively, I can confidently say it’s the best budget action camera under $100. It delivers 4K video, solid battery life, and rugged build quality at a price that feels like a steal. Sure, it has flaws—overheating, average low-light performance, and a basic app—but none of them are dealbreakers for the target audience.

What sets it apart is its balance of performance and affordability. You’re not getting GoPro-level quality, but you’re getting 80% of the performance at 20% of the price. For casual users, hobbyists, or anyone who wants a reliable backup camera, the CGX2 is a no-brainer.

I’ve already recommended it to friends who want to capture hiking trips, bike rides, and family vacations. One even used it to film her dog’s first swim—the footage was smooth, clear, and totally share-worthy.

Final tip: Pair the CGX2 with a 128GB microSD card (Class 10 or U3 recommended) and a spare battery for maximum flexibility. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly combo for adventurers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

If you’re looking for an action camera that’s tough, easy to use, and won’t drain your wallet, the Cyclops Gear CGX2 is the one to beat. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough—and that’s what makes it the best budget pick on the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Cyclops Gear CGX2 a top budget action camera?

The Cyclops Gear CGX2 stands out as the best budget pick thanks to its 4K video, rugged waterproof design, and included accessories—all at a fraction of premium camera prices. It delivers reliable performance for beginners and casual users without breaking the bank.

Is the Cyclops Gear CGX2 good for outdoor adventures?

Absolutely. The CGX2 is waterproof up to 30 meters (with housing) and shockproof, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and water sports. Its wide-angle lens captures immersive POV footage in diverse environments.

Does the CGX2 support external microphones?

No, the Cyclops Gear CGX2 lacks an external mic input, relying on its built-in microphone. While adequate for casual use, vloggers may need to sync audio externally in post-production.

How does the CGX2 compare to GoPro in image quality?

The Cyclops Gear CGX2 matches entry-level GoPros in 4K resolution but has weaker stabilization and dynamic range. It’s a great value alternative for those prioritizing price over pro-grade features.

What accessories come with the Cyclops Gear CGX2?

The CGX2 includes a waterproof housing, multiple mounts, a remote, and spare batteries—a complete starter kit for the price. Most competitors sell these separately, adding to long-term costs.

Can the CGX2 record in low-light conditions?

It handles moderate low light but struggles in very dark settings, with noticeable noise. For night adventures, consider adding an external light source to improve footage quality.